ARM LIFT
Age and large weight loss can unfortunately lead to sagging tissue on the upper arm which shows as a bag of flesh on the lower side of the upper arm when the arm is extended outward. Most often these patients had been overweight and have lost a significant amount of weight leading to a deflation of the upper arm. An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and excess fat deposits in the upper arm. Also with aging, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby. This minor defect can be corrected by removing skin and subcutaneous tissue but surgery leaves a noticeable scar. Body scars never fade to the same extent as those on the face and, since the real goal for most patients is short-sleeved shirts, it is generally worth the trade-off for most patients.
The ideal candidate for the arm lift technique, or the brachioplasty, is someone who has bat wings with minimal to moderate fat remaining in the upper arms. If the upper arms still retain a significant amount of fat when the patient presents to us, then we must deflate them with a preliminary liposuction procedure, where the fat is suctioned out through small incisions and the arm is allowed to heal for about 6 months. The second procedure is identical to what would be performed if the patient presented with minimal to moderate fat.
An incision is made along the underside of the upper arm, in the most inconspicuous place, and unwanted skin and tissue are carefully removed to reveal the more natural contour of the arms. Liposuction may be employed during the arm lift to accentuate your results. The procedure leaves a hidden scar and eliminates sagging, improving both the line and shape of the area. If only excess fat is present, a liposuction is performed leaving no visible scars can be performed. In moderate cases, a combination of limited skin resection and liposuction is utilized.
Arm lifting surgery
Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and the procedure which takes 1 to 2 hours and the patient is hospitalized from 1 to 2 days. Post-operative discomfort is minimal. Bruising and swelling are to be expected as well as a tight feeling in the arms. You may also wear a support garment for few weeks to reduce swelling and will need to take antibiotics to prevent infection. Most of the swelling will disappear after 10-15 days or so. Depending on the individual patient recovery times will vary. Most patients are able to go back to work 5-7 days after surgery.You should avoid strenuous activity for a month or so.
Your expectations need to be realistic. Most patients are pleased with the outcome and find they can wear the clothes they want, especially short sleeved tops. Therefore in most cases giving a new-found confidence. Oberarmstraffung
References:
An outcome analysis of brachioplasty techniques following massive weight loss
The posteromedial brachioplasty